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Stillwater inaugurates new marathon

Sunny skies and temperatures in the low 50s made for a great start to the inaugural Stillwater marathon today.

More than 2,500 people lined up in downtown Stillwater for the event, which also included 20-mile, half-marathon and 12-kilometer races.

It was the first year for the race in the St. Croix Valley, and the first full marathon of the year for Twin Cities runners.

Stillwater native Pete Hoyem won the men's division of the race, finishing with an official time of 2:50:32.

"I've lived in Stillwater the last five years, so I knew the course really well," said Hoyem after the race. "I kind of knew where to expect people. I feel like it's really spectator friendly in terms of getting around. So I really like that."

Jessica Mike of Minneapolis won the women's division in 3:09:06.

"It was hard," said Mike. "The last mile, 20 on, was downhill, which save my butt, because I was tired. But it was good."

The race is the first spring marathon in the state this year. Another new race, the Minneapolis marathon, will start in that city's milling district next Sunday.

Minnesota's most famous spring race, Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, will be run June 20.